WWE SmackDown airs live tonight on at 8pm ET the USA Network in the United States and Netflix intentionally from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island.
After spending the last two months away from WWE television, CM Punk has been at the center of plenty of speculation regarding his status with the company. Rumors ranging from alleged creative frustrations to reports of backstage issues and even release requests have circulated online in recent weeks.
However, several reports this week pushed back on those claims, indicating that there is no significant tension between Punk and WWE. Instead, the expectation remains that “The Best in the World” will make his return to television sometime in July.
Now, a new report suggests that WWE may have specific plans for Punk once he returns.
According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is expected to move Punk to SmackDown as part of an effort to better balance the company’s top-tier talent across both brands.
With Raw already featuring major stars such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Liv Morgan, and Oba Femi, the belief is that Punk could have a larger impact on Friday nights. A move to SmackDown would place him alongside names like Cody Rhodes, GUNTHER, and Randy Orton, creating several fresh matchups and storyline possibilities.
That said, the report notes that Punk could still make an appearance on Raw before any official brand switch takes place. The July 6 episode of Raw is scheduled for Chicago, Punk’s hometown, making it an obvious location for a high-profile return.
A move to SmackDown would also align with a storyline tease WWE planted before Punk’s absence. Prior to stepping away from television, Punk hinted at a future confrontation with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Given Rhodes’ position at the top of the blue brand, Punk’s arrival on SmackDown could quickly place him in the championship picture.
With SummerSlam approaching and rumors suggesting Punk is expected to be involved in one of the event’s major programs, fans are already speculating about a potential showdown between Punk and Rhodes. WWE has not confirmed any plans, but the possibility would undoubtedly rank among the biggest matches the company could present.
Before taking time away from television, Punk suffered a major setback at WrestleMania 42 when he lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns. His eventual return could mark the beginning of a new chapter, potentially on a new brand and with a new championship target in sight.
For now, all eyes remain on July as WWE fans await the return of one of the company’s most talked-about stars.
A new report has provided insight into WWE’s strategy for AAA, including why the company is bringing part of TripleMania to Las Vegas instead of keeping the event exclusively in Mexico.
During a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer explained that WWE’s decision is reportedly less about ticket sales and more about exposing AAA to potential business partners in the United States.
According to Meltzer, the goal is to put AAA’s product in front of influential industry figures who could help expand the promotion’s presence outside of Mexico. That includes potential television partners, sponsors, and other investors who may be interested in working with the brand.
Meltzer noted that WWE’s long-term vision for AAA extends beyond simply maintaining its popularity in Mexico. Instead, the company is reportedly focused on growing AAA as a global business asset and creating new revenue opportunities through media rights and sponsorship agreements.
One of the key objectives appears to be securing a television deal in the United States. While AAA content is currently available internationally through platforms such as YouTube, the promotion does not have a dedicated U.S. television home. Bringing a major event like TripleMania to Las Vegas reportedly makes it easier to attract executives and decision-makers who might not travel to Mexico for a live show.
Las Vegas was viewed as a logical destination due to its accessibility and its reputation as a major entertainment hub. According to Meltzer, WWE is also believed to prefer a smaller venue for the event, creating a more intimate atmosphere while ensuring invited guests can experience the product firsthand.
AAA already maintains television distribution through FOX in parts of Central and South America, and the report noted that any future U.S. television agreement would not necessarily affect those existing arrangements.
Since WWE’s acquisition of AAA, there has been significant interest in how the company plans to develop the promotion moving forward. Between crossover storylines, increased visibility, and efforts to expand the brand internationally, securing a U.S. television deal could represent one of the most important steps in WWE’s plans for AAA’s future growth.
WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on the CW and Netflix internationally.
WWE may be taking a closer look at one of wrestling’s fastest-rising prospects.
According to PWInsider, Zilla Fatu was seen at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando on Monday, sparking fresh speculation about a potential future with the company.
Fatu, whose real name is Isayah Fatu, is already well-known to wrestling fans thanks to his family ties. The 26-year-old is the son of former WWE star Umaga and belongs to the legendary Anoa’i wrestling family. That lineage connects him to some of the biggest names in the industry, including The Wild Samoans, Afa and Sika.
Since making his professional wrestling debut in July 2023, Fatu has rapidly established himself as a standout performer on the independent scene. After training under WWE Hall of Famer Booker T, he has worked for several prominent promotions, including House of Glory, Game Changer Wrestling, and Reality of Wrestling.
His success has come quickly. Fatu has captured multiple championships during his young career, including two reigns as the HOG Crown Jewel Championship and a stint as Reality of Wrestling Heavyweight Champion.
A possible WWE interest in Fatu is nothing new. Earlier, Paul Heyman publicly praised the young star and suggested WWE should sign him as soon as the opportunity presented itself. His appearance at the Performance Center is likely to intensify rumors that the company could be evaluating him for a future role.
The timing is especially noteworthy given the continued prominence of The Bloodline storyline on WWE programming. With Jacob Fatu already making an impact on the main roster and the Anoa’i family remaining central to several major storylines, fans have naturally begun wondering whether Zilla Fatu could eventually follow a similar path.
At this stage, there is no confirmation that Fatu has signed with WWE or that a deal is imminent. However, a visit to the Performance Center is certain to generate discussion, particularly when it involves a member of one of wrestling’s most influential families.
Whether this was simply a visit or the beginning of something bigger remains to be seen, but Zilla Fatu’s name is likely to remain on WWE fans’ radar in the weeks ahead.
WWE SmackDown airs tonight at 8/7c on USA Network from Unipol Arena in Bologna, Italy. The event begins at 2:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT.
WWE NXT tonight at 8/7c on the CW and Netflix (internationally).
A familiar scheduling change appears to be on the horizon for WWE SmackDown, as the blue brand is reportedly set to move back to a two-hour format the first week of July.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the final three-hour edition of SmackDown is currently expected to air on June 26, with the show returning to its traditional two-hour runtime beginning the following week (July 3).
The three-hour format has been a topic of debate among fans since it was reintroduced, with many viewers feeling the additional hour often leads to pacing issues and filler content. Based on Meltzer’s report, WWE and its television partners appear to be sticking with a plan that alternates between two-hour and three-hour versions of the show.
Meltzer noted that he had previously been told the arrangement would consist of approximately six months of three-hour programming followed by six months of the standard two-hour format, a pattern that could continue throughout WWE’s current media rights agreement.
“Three hours until the end of the month. June 26 is the last three-hour show,” Meltzer said. “I was told six months on, January to July, and the idea that’s going to be it for the entire five-year thing. Six months on, six months off.”
The veteran wrestling journalist also admitted he initially believed the switch back to two hours might happen sooner. Part of that expectation stemmed from the return of Braun Strowman’s “Everything On The Menu” series, which recently benefited from having SmackDown as its lead-in on USA Network.
Despite the show’s strong ratings performance, USA Network is reportedly keeping Everything On The Menu in the 11 p.m. ET timeslot through the end of June. The series is then expected to move back to 10 p.m. ET in July, coinciding with SmackDown‘s reported return to a two-hour broadcast.
While Meltzer questioned the decision to keep a successful program in the later timeslot for another month, there appears to be confidence that WWE’s audience will continue to provide a strong lead-in for the network’s programming.
For now, fans can expect SmackDown to remain three hours through the remainder of June, with the widely anticipated return to a two-hour format reportedly set to begin after the June 26 episode.
WWE Raw airs live today with a special start time of 2:00 pm ET/11:00 am PT on Netflix from the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy.
WWE brought a stacked card to Turin for Clash in Italy, featuring multiple championship matches, a Tribal Combat showdown, and several major storyline developments. By the end of the night, Roman Reigns remained Tribal Chief, Cody Rhodes escaped with the Undisputed WWE Championship, and Sol Ruca captured her first main roster singles title.
Here are the full results and highlights from WWE Clash in Italy.
The show opened with a hard-hitting championship clash between Cody Rhodes and GUNTHER. The challenger controlled much of the contest with his trademark chops, power offense, and repeated attempts to put Rhodes away with the Gojira Clutch.
Rhodes battled through several near-submissions and survived a devastating powerbomb before mounting a comeback with Beautiful Disaster and multiple Cross Rhodes attempts. After a frantic closing sequence, Rhodes connected with Cross Rhodes and secured the three-count to retain his championship.
The finish immediately sparked controversy. Replays revealed that GUNTHER’s foot was underneath the bottom rope during the initial pin attempt. Rhodes adjusted his cover during the count, pulling the challenger away from the ropes before the referee completed the fall.
Following the match, a frustrated GUNTHER argued with the official before storming backstage.
Winner: Cody Rhodes (retains WWE Undisputed Championship)
Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill delivered a physical battle that saw both women absorb tremendous punishment.
Cargill showcased her strength early, repeatedly tossing the champion around the ring and even taking time to taunt Ripley with push-ups. Ripley eventually rallied with a German suplex, a missile dropkick, and a series of power moves that nearly ended the match.
Outside interference became a major factor in the closing moments. B-Fab and Michin appeared at ringside on behalf of Cargill, only for Charlotte Flair to arrive and even the odds. Charlotte’s involvement prevented Jade from capitalizing on a near fall and shifted momentum back toward the champion.
Ripley eventually recovered and connected with Riptide to score the victory and retain the WWE Women’s Championship.
Winner: Rhea Ripley (retains WWE Women’s Championship)
Oba Femi pushed Brock Lesnar further than many expected in one of the night’s most physical contests.
Lesnar came out aggressively, delivering multiple F-5s in the opening minutes, but Femi refused to stay down. The former NXT powerhouse also escaped the Kimura Lock and answered with a huge powerbomb and chokeslam that left Lesnar visibly frustrated.
The action spilled to ringside, where Lesnar drove Femi through the announce table with another F-5. Despite the punishment, Femi beat the referee’s count and continued fighting.
Ultimately, Lesnar connected with one final F-5 inside the ring to finally put Femi away.
Winner: Brock Lesnar
One of the biggest surprises of the night came when Sol Ruca challenged Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship.
Lynch attempted to dictate the pace throughout the match and repeatedly argued with referee Jessika Carr whenever things didn’t go her way. Ruca countered with her athletic offense, including several innovative aerial attacks and near falls that kept the champion on the defensive.
The closing moments featured multiple reversals, submission counters, and dramatic two-counts. After surviving the Manhandle Slam, Ruca found an opening and connected with the Sol Snatcher to score the pinfall victory.
The win marks a major milestone for Ruca, who leaves Italy as the new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
Winner: Sol Ruca (new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
The main event featured a brutal Tribal Combat Match between Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu for the WWE Men’s World Championship and the title of Tribal Chief.
The match quickly spilled into the crowd, with both men using the arena environment as weapons. Reigns blasted Fatu with a bucket of ice, while Fatu repeatedly slammed the champion into barricades, railings, and ringside structures.
Back in the ring, tables, steel steps, toolboxes, and exposed turnbuckles all came into play. Fatu repeatedly threatened to finish Reigns with the Tongan Death Grip, while Reigns relied on Superman Punches and Spears to survive.
Despite taking enormous punishment, Fatu continued to rise after every big move. Reigns eventually gained the advantage by targeting Fatu’s injured hand and repeatedly driving him into exposed turnbuckles. A devastating Spear through a table set up in the corner finally gave Reigns the opening he needed.
One final Spear ended the war and secured the victory for the champion.
After the match, The Usos entered the ring to recognize Reigns as Tribal Chief. The celebration was short-lived, however, as attention quickly turned toward Solo Sikoa and the MFTs watching from the crowd, teasing the next chapter in the ongoing Bloodline saga.
Winner: Roman Reigns (retains WWE Men’s World Championship)
Clash in Italy delivered several major developments, including Sol Ruca’s championship breakthrough, Charlotte Flair’s return to the title picture, Brock Lesnar’s hard-fought victory over Oba Femi, and another successful title defense for Roman Reigns as the Bloodline drama continues to evolve.
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